NTTF’s Graduate Engineer Training (GET) and Diploma Engineer Training (DET) programs are designed to train prospective faculty for industry-driven technical education. These structured programs focus on developing high-quality trainers with strong subject expertise, hands-on skills, and practical teaching methodologies. With a well-established curriculum, rigorous training, and a built-in feedback mechanism, these programs have been instrumental in shaping skilled trainers for India’s evolving technical education landscape.
In this panel discussion, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director of National Skills Network (NSN), engages with GET and DET alumni and experts who are now key contributors at Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF).The panelists include Ms. Roopa P B, Manager, Syllabus and Infrastructure, NTTF; Ms. Lata J Naidu, Vice Principal, NTTF Dharwad Training Center (DTC); Mr. Sakthigopal R, Principal, NTTF Trichy Center; Mr. Rakesh Salimath, Senior Training Officer, Reskilling and Skilling Department, NTTF
This discussion follows insights on how these structured programs prepare prospective faculty at NTTF with industry-aligned skills, hands-on learning, and teaching expertise. The discussion also highlighted the syllabus design, on-the-job training (OJT), real-time project execution, and the transition from engineering to teaching, shaping future educators and leaders.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. How do the GET and DET programs benefit prospective faculty in building their technical training careers?
Ms. Roopa P B: The GET program at NTTF is executed rigorously to develop future trainers. We approach it as a structured project, selecting engineering graduates and ensuring smooth execution with continuous monitoring, evaluation, and corrective actions.
The program begins with an induction phase, called “Rope In,” where trainees are introduced to NTTF’s culture, HR policies, and team-building activities. This is followed by technical training, customized for different streams such as Mechanical, Electronics, and Computer Science; aligned with our diploma programs but designed with an outcome-based approach.
Trainees engage in hands-on learning, problem-solving, and real-world projects while enhancing their interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Collaboration across teams fosters a dynamic learning environment, making the program both engaging and impactful. Ultimately, we cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning, preparing them to be effective educators and trainers.
Q. As an alumnus of the GET program, can you share your views on its impact and significance?
Mr. Sakthigopal R: I would like to share my personal experience with the GET program at NTTF. I initially believed that high scores equated to knowledge. However, after joining NTTF in 2008, I realized the depth of true learning, especially the importance of hands-on training and in-depth subject understanding.
The GET program provided structured training that helped me grow within NTTF, ultimately leading to my current role as a center head. It enhanced my communication, pedagogy, and lesson-planning skills, equipping me to handle diverse learning environments. What sets this program apart is its effectiveness, within 1 to 1.5 years, a GET graduate can match the expertise of professionals with 10–15 years of experience in traditional institutions. This intensive training builds not just technical expertise but also the confidence to excel as an educator.
Q. How does NTTF’s training and feedback system enhance career growth, and what new opportunities does the relaunch of the program offer?
Mr. Rakesh Salimath: As an NTTF alumnus from the 2013 batch at Dharwad, I spent two years in the industry before returning to join the DET program. While NTTF trains students with essential skills, the DET program bridges the gap between being a student and becoming an instructor.
With 70% practical and 30% theoretical learning, the program equips trainees with pedagogy, teaching methodologies, and hands-on exercises aligned with NTTF’s training approach. It enhances knowledge, builds leadership skills, boosts confidence, and fosters continuous learning.
Ms. Lata J Naidu: The program is structured for both Diploma Engineer Trainees (DETs) and Graduate Engineer Trainees (GETs).
- DETs (Diploma holders from Polytechnic or NTTF): 1-year training, including 9 months of training, 3 months of On-Job Training (OJT), followed by a 1-year probation and confirmed employment.
- GETs (B.E./B.Tech graduates in Electronics, Mechanical, IT, etc.): 9 months of training, 3 months of OJT, 1-year probation, and confirmed employment.
When I joined NTTF 15 years ago as a diploma graduate, I was exposed to advanced technology and extensive resources. The structured training, guided mentorship, and continuous evaluation helped me adapt and grow. After one year of probation, I progressed through various roles and now serve as Vice Principal at the Dharwad Training Center (DTC).
NTTF not only prioritizes student development but also invests in staff growth through continuous learning opportunities, both nationally and internationally. This ensures we stay updated with evolving technologies and soft skills. Moreover, the supportive work culture enables a healthy work-life balance.
Q. How did you ensure industry integration while designing the syllabus to bridge the gap between academia and practical training?
Ms. Roopa P B: Trainees work extensively in labs, gaining end-to-end experience, from electrical drawing to product development. They design, assemble, solder, and integrate components to create functional products. Additionally, we ensure adaptability by exposing them to industry trends, upskilling trainers, and incorporating emerging technologies like AI and ML into the syllabus. Regular industry feedback and faculty development programs further enhance the training approach.
Mr. Shaktigopal R: NTTF stands out for its curriculum flexibility, continuously updating courses based on industry feedback. A dedicated team reviews emerging technologies every few years to ensure alignment with industry demands. For instance, AI, which was not a focus earlier, is now integrated into training, keeping students ahead of evolving trends.
Ms. Lata J Naidu: NTTF not only upgrades its technical curriculum regularly but also integrates industry-focused training. Beyond technical skills, students are exposed to industrial culture and methodologies like 5S, Kaizen, Quality Circles, and Lean Management. These practices are embedded in their learning, ensuring they seamlessly adapt to industry environments as both trainees and future trainers. This holistic approach sets NTTF apart from traditional polytechnic diplomas.
Mr. Rakesh Salimath: NTTF has a dedicated vertical for upskilling and reskilling, directly connected to industry requirements. We continuously incorporate industry feedback to restructure our programs, ensuring they remain relevant. Additionally, we have a learner engagement vertical that strengthens industry alignment, making our training more effective.
Q. What are the key benefits of the program’s relaunch for prospective learners?
Ms. Lata J Naidu: With the relaunch of this program, we are introducing three distinct categories of participants:
- Fresh diploma graduates from polytechnics
- NTTF diploma holders
- Graduate engineers (BE/B.Tech)
Upon successful completion of training, participants undergo continuous evaluation focused on technical and pedagogical development. They enter a one-year probationary period, followed by confirmation and career progression. Diploma holders can advance to Assistant Training Officers, while graduates may be promoted to Training Officers, with further growth based on performance.
After completing training, participants may be placed in NTTF training centers across India or corporate training programs, with a preference for locations near their domicile, depending on center requirements and their performance.
The key benefit of this program is that participants are not just recruited but undergo comprehensive training to build confidence and competence, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles.
Also read: Skilling youth for a better future: An NTTF Trainer’s inspiring journey!
Q. Is there anything you would like to share with our audience?
Ms. Roopa P B: During the GET program, participants will apply their learning to a final project. They will design circuits, program, debug, and troubleshoot, collaborating with mechanical teams if needed. They will also determine the project’s dimensions and framework. The project will be evaluated, and participants will present it to a panel.
Mr. Sakthigopal R: The GET program at NTTF stands out because it provides a unique learning experience compared to other institutions. It significantly boosts subject knowledge and confidence, enabling participants to effectively transfer their learning to students.
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